Computer science or accountancy?

papersocks

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where does ur aptitude lie in? some things not say do then do. do things u can excel in
 

patryn33

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Jaylim123

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Autumn87

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NUS computer science/ business analytics vs ntu accountancy

Both are strong contenders. But if I got to choose, I go for accountancy as can branch out easier. Anyway al depends on ownself. So you think properly before making any decisions.
 

Jaylim123

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Both are strong contenders. But if I got to choose, I go for accountancy as can branch out easier. Anyway al depends on ownself. So you think properly before making any decisions.
Computer science can work in alot of diff sectors mah
 

patryn33

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Both are strong contenders. But if I got to choose, I go for accountancy as can branch out easier. Anyway al depends on ownself. So you think properly before making any decisions.

Care to explain the above in bold? branch out to what easier? how do you quantify easier?
 

Kyoji83

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I will chose Computer science (CS) over accountancy. With a CS degree, I still can go for CA Sg and have the option to work in both occupation.
 

DestinyStudent

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Here is my 2 cents. It is not based on factual but more on the perspective of the career scope.

Computer Science:
This is a field of understanding how a computer works. How information is exchanged in the network? Why certain protocols or security measures are implemented?

You will be exposed to the basic fundamentals of programming like Java or Python. Strong Mathematics foundation may or may not be useful depending on the job scope after you graduate. Strong mathematics foundation may come in handy when coming up an algorithm. For Salary wise, it is decent with at least and more than $3k. Private Branded company like SAP, IBM, and Accenture etc are willing to pay more if you show potential and developed skills.

With this degree, you can venture to entrepreneurship, software development, Research, software consultant, UI/UX designer, Business Developer (Tech sector), Network administrator, Database administrator, or Security Tester. The list is not exhaustive and there are too many job title to name. Research on your own.

Real world look (Harsh Reality):
Competitive market and high-demand for deep skills employee. Don't look at grades when you are in Uni. Look at what is the standard in the market. China and India workers are very knowledgeable and can explain the topic at a very high technical level. Don't be surprise to team-up AND compete against these international workers. Coding as a student is one thing but can you code at the pace of a industry professional?

Accountancy:
This is the study of understanding a company or individual's financial position. Are the documents at a acceptable level which is compliant to regulators like ACRA or MAS? Are the numbers and items in the documents justified and audited?

You will be exposed to basic accounting like double entry, balance sheet, profit & loss statement, cash flow statement, and Bank Reconciliation. You might need to learn economics, R language (Statistical Programming, Business Analytics (Accounting Context) and Financial analysis like Risk & Reward. You may get the chance to touch financial management system like XERO or MYOB. Proficiency in Excel is a mandatory - function, formula, and Visualization.

With this degree, you can venture to wealth management, financial advisor, internal auditor, external auditor, tax auditor, accountant, or entrepreneurship. The list not exhaustive too.

Real world look (Harsh reality):
Not surprisingly, you might end up working in the Big 4 firms (E&Y, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG). They are MNCs so be expected to receive the market salary set by them. At least and more than $3k. Working in this environment, you have to get used to looking at numbers. Not small numbers, big numbers reaching to the millions. Having a fast calculation brain makes you a more efficient worker. You must always do your DUE DILIGENCE to audit all the documents you received. The Big 4 firm are very strict in compliance. Thats why companies pay the big 4 firm to manage their compliance. If you fail to meet compliance matters, you are not doing your job. No such thing as making mistake and be forgiven, you are dealing with money. MONEY MUST ALWAYS BE HANDLED DILIGENTLY. Some have the misconception that accountant is only an office desk job, not totally true. If you become an experienced accountant or auditor, you might need to meet clients and ask hard question like "why your number is not tally in official documents?" Interpersonal skills will be important too. You might have to play the investigator role. REMEMBER DUE DILIGENCE IS IMPORTANT IN THE FINANCE SECTOR ESPECIALLY COMPLIANCE SERVICE. Real story: an employee from PwC had to make a visit to a Pillow manufacturing company. She had to physically count each pillow in stocks. Don't be shock to do a bit of dirty and labour work. Its part of the job to ensure compliance and due diligence. It was an interesting experience for her btw. As for gender ratio, majority are females in big 4 firms. For PwC, 70% female, 30% male. If you are a male, you have to get used to working in such a demographic.

Overview
As which course is better, it depends on you. Do you have the passion/interest in the course? Do you want to make more money? Do you want more job security?

These are questions you have to answer for yourself. No one can answer for you.

A degree is a depreciating asset. It is just a passport to get your first job to gain experience. You will need to have a continuous learning mindset to stay relevant in the job market. A degree is just a tool but if you dont know how to make use of the tool in the market, you will end up like many fresh graduates who regretted studying their course.

Attend talks, open house or speak to real-life industry players to get a sense of the market. There are too many factors to consider for deciding a course.
 
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